SATURDAY produced an historic first win in the Football League for Forest Green Rovers.

The 4-3 scoreline against Yeovil correctly indicates what a thrilling game it was.

Rovers came out on top, despite giving Yeovil a two-goal start.

Defensive mistakes by both sides contributed to the high goal count – but added to the excitement.

This was a match for the fans and boy did they enjoy it. The Rovers fans were marvellous throughout the game and whatever the score they were completely behind their team.

One change was made from the loss against Mansfield. The experienced Drissa Traore was not in the team or on the bench, his place in midfield being taken by Lee Collins who moved forward from defence, aiding the captain Liam Noble.

Alongside them was Charlie Cooper providing the youth and vigour.

Christian Doidge played a solitary role as a striker but received energetic support from those around him.

The experienced Doidge looked like the school games master practising with his Under-15 side, but do not be fooled – these young men can play.

I noticed one slight tactical difference; when Brad Collins took goal kicks, tall defender Manny Monthe moved forward to give more height and support to Doidge.

Yeovil started quickest with FGR looking earnest but naïve. After 15 minutes Rovers were two goals adrift – and it looked grim.

However, Yeovil seemed soft-centred and with fans roaring the side on Doidge scored with a fine header. Clever passing sent Dale Bennett free on the right and his delicious cross simply invited our hero to score.

Sadly, Yeovil made it 3-1. But then came the game-changing goal from Reece Brown right on half-time. His magical free kick was a crucial goal at a crucial time.

Forest Green bossed the second half, Charlie Cooper was presented with a very soft goal soon after the break and substitute Omar Bugiel added a brave one later.

Collins grew into his unaccustomed midfield role and with Alex Iacovitti making his debut as a second-half substitute there was only going to be one winner.

The match day experience was outstanding. So much work has gone on during the close season.

Helen Taylor, the all-embracing chief executive, proactive stadium manager Dane Vince and public relations man Will Guyatt all deserve special mention.

The icing on the cake is a well-equipped media room.

I had a pleasant encounter with the father of Powells School (Cirencester) ambassador Sam Jefferies. What a fine scheme that is! The number of ambassadors are growing as is the geographical area they cover.

Mrs Light and I drove home thrilled, it had been a fine game, splendidly refereed with both sets of fans exemplary in their behaviour. As a Cotswold day out it was unbeatable.

We were almost able to forget the wretched performance of our Gloucestershire county cricket team in the NatWest T20 Blast against Surrey at The Kia Oval.

It was not just batting that let us down. A rigid selection policy resulted in an unbalanced team. We were always one batsman short. Chris Dent and Gareth Roderick were not selected at all. Left arm medium paced bowlers Matt Taylor and Chris Liddle were kept in the side too long. They took just 12 wickets between them, bowling 43 overs at an economy rate of more than 9.

Craig Miles was finally chosen. His figures were 7-53 (economy rate 6 plus) and he took three wickets against Surrey. Liam Norwell was never picked.

Coach Richard Dawson told county members at Cheltenham that players were not looked upon as just white or red ball players. That’s nonsense I am afraid, Richard, and the team selection proves it.

I am keeping most of my powder dry until the season’s end, but hope there will be positive news from HQ about the way forward. If we just hear excuses it should be pointed out that unfashionable counties like Glamorgan, Leicestershire and Derbyshire all managed to qualify.

Overall, we are the poorest performing county. Someone needs to realise this. All the evidence is that complacency abounds.